Performance Management Software - Totally Tuned

Efilive's Killer Software Package Integrates Scanning And Tuning Functions, And Puts The Power To Optimize C5/C6 Performance At Your Fingertips

Back in "the old days" (2002-2003), the process for tuning a C5 was considerably more intricate than it currently is. At that time, you had to use one program to log and analyze data, and another to reflash the PCM with a new calibration. Tuning was a relatively tedious process because the two programs didn't "talk" to each other. Consequently, you found yourself continually switching back and forth between programs to determine the changes that had to be made. To make matters even more challenging, none of the programs available at the time were particularly user friendly.

Then I came across a scanning/data logging software package called EFILive. It was not only easy to use and to customize, it offered a number of unique capabilities, including a control panel that allowed the user to temporarily alter ignition timing, air/fuel ratio, and torque converter clutch lock/unlock settings-while the engine was running-with a laptop computer.

I hadn't used EFILive for very long before thinking, I wish these guys would develop tuning software. In early 2005, my wish was granted when the EFILive team of Paul Blackmore and Ross Myers released FlashScan, version 7.2. They followed that up with version 7.3 and have continued to add features to it, including the capability to scan and tune LS2/LS7, GM diesel, and four-, five-, and six-cylinder GM engines. Recently, they released version 7.4, which provides even greater scanning and tuning capabilities, and can be used with an even wider selection of General Motors ECMs and PCMs.

A fully integrated software package, FlashScan includes separate scanning and tuning programs, which operate independently but also interface with each other. This extremely well-done interface, which can be easily altered to accommodate individual user preferences, tremendously simplifies the task of implementing tuning changes based on data logged during testing.

To make tuning even more interesting, in late 2006, EFILive released its V2 interface cable that will ultimately allow stand-alone scanning and tuning (without requiring a laptop computer). The V2 cable also accepts data from up to eight external inputs, such as a wide band O2 sensor, thermocouple, or a variety of temperature or pressure sensors, or any analog sensor with a 0-5 volt output.

All LS1/LS2/LS6/LS7 tuning software does pretty much the same thing-it allows you to make changes to a vehicle's calibration data and write that data to the PCM.

What makes one program superior to another is ease of use, documentation, and the extent of changes that can be made to an existing calibration. In these areas, FlashScan is in a league by itself. No other data logging/programming package offers access to over 650 calibration parameters and tables combined with data monitoring and logging capabilities, the ability to link logged data with relevant calibration tables, and a control panel to make temporary changes on the fly.

Although electronic powertrain controls are often regarded as having almost magical capabilities, they simply offer more extensive and precise control of engine and transmission calibrations than nonelectronic mechanisms. Tuning, therefore, is as much a matter of learning to "control the controls," as it is a matter of developing the data that will enable the engine and transmission to deliver optimum performance. With FlashScan providing access to so many control parameters, it's relatively easy to gain control of virtually any aspect of powertrain operation. FlashScan also facilitates the development of the precise calibrations that are required to achieve specific results-such as establishing the fuel, spark, and air flow settings that enable an engine with a radical camshaft to idle as smoothly as possible.

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Performance Management Software - Totally Tuned

Conventional wisdom says if you're going to tune a Corvette, the first place you need to go is the dyno. Actually, it's the last place. Tuning/scanning software like FlashScan can provide you with more than ample data to correct any idle or drivability problems that might exist, especially if used in conjunction with a wide band O2 sensor. It doesn't make sense to spend money on dyno time until after all the part-throttle calibrations are sorted out.

A laptop or notebook computer, a FlashScan cable, and a wideband O2 sensor are a tuner's tools of the trade. However, possession of the necessary tools does not imply the expertise needed to use them successfully.

The opening page of every tune (.tun) file contains data that identifies engine and transmission type, operating system, VIN code, and calibration ID. The actual file name, which is selected by the user and stored on the hard drive, is shown at the upper left.

Like a number of other tables, the main volumetric efficiency is shown as both a three-dimensional graph and a table. The graph can be easily rotated and magnified, or by clicking the appropriate icon, the display can be changed to show only the 3-D graph or only the table. Descriptions and relevant information are contained below the navigator panel at the left and within the data display itself. As you can see, this stock LS6 VE table is far from being smooth.

Clicking on the two-dimensional icon brings up a two-dimensional display like this. In this display, the 20 kPa column has been selected. Values can be changed by clicking and dragging any of the small circles on the graph line. If you want to change values for other levels of manifold pressure, you simply select the desired kPa column, click and drag as desired. You can also change the display to show a table along with the 2-d display. Different display modes make it easier to see specific types of problems or inconsistencies.

A two-dimensional display is all that's required for some tables, such as this one for desired air flow at idle. Many tuners either miss this table or don't have easy access to it (if they're using other tuning software), and have a hard time achieving a satisfactory idle after installation of a long-duration camshaft. If this table were for a vehicle with an automatic trans, the righthand column (Park/Neutral) would have values similar to the ones on the left.

FlashScan's scan tool incorporates a virtual dashboard that can be easily customized. You can specify either analog or digital gauges, or a combination. Fittingly, virtually every aspect of the virtual dashboard can be altered. A few tuning issues are evident in this particular display. The VE table needs some adjustment because commanded air/fuel ratio is 12.96:1, but the LM1 wide band is reporting 13.3:1. Also evident is a potential fuel supply problem. Pulse width is shown as 18.250 milliseconds at 5,700 rpm. With only 20 milliseconds of time available at 6,000 rpm, the injectors are too small for the amount of power the engine is producing.

Page B of the virtual dashboard displays data in strip chart form. The values displayed at left and right correspond to the cursor position. The values at the current cursor position are also displayed on Page A

The white highlighted area on this chart was created by clicking and dragging the cursor on a strip chart. When you do this, the digital values show maximum, minimum, and average values for the highlighted areas. The appropriate cells in the related tuning table are also highlighted.

When FlashScan is plugged into the underdash diagnostic test port, the display illuminates and displays a number of options, which can be selected by depressing one of the function keys (F1 through F4). Ultimately, it will be possible to read and reflash a PCM directly from the unit with no laptop connected. Data can be stored internally or on a secure data memory card.

The FlashScan unit incorporates a number of ports to which external data acquisition equipment can be connected. Wide-band O2 sensors are the most commonly used devices, but K-type thermocouples and virtually any other 0-5 volt sensor can also be connected. The scan program can then be set up to record data from these devices, and display it on the same virtual dashboard as data from the original equipment sensors.

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